Secondary education in Ireland aims to build on the foundation of primary education to provide a comprehensive, high quality learning environment to enable all students to live full lives and to realise their potential as individuals and citizens.

The secondary-level education sector comprises secondary, vocational, community and comprehensive schools. The majority of these schools are state-funded, and with the exception of a relatively small number, do not charge tuition fees. The types of schools mainly differ on the basis of administration and sources of funding.

Second level education in Ireland generally starts at the age of twelve and consists of a three year Junior cycle followed by a two or three year senior cycle. The Junior Certificate Examination is taken at the end of junior cycle. The senior cycle has been significantly restructured in recent years and now offers a "Transition Year" which provides an opportunity for students to experience a wide range of educational inputs, life skills and work experience at a remove from the examination focus.

Students must take a minimum of five subjects including the three core subjects of English, Irish and Mathematics. Students can then choose their other subjects from a broad range including arts, languages, science and other applied subjects (e.g. mechanical drawing, woodwork etc.). Students entering the Irish education system after 11 years of age are not obliged to take Irish language examinations.

At the end of the senior cycle the Leaving Certificate Examination is taken. Students normally sit for this examination at seventeen or eighteen years of age.

Students may choose one of three Leaving Certificate Programmes:

The Leaving Certificate Programme - This is the most widely taken programme in which students must take at least five subjects, including Irish (with the exception of those entering the system after 11 years of age). Those intending to pursue higher education and training at a higher education institute normally takes this examination and access to higher education and training programmes depends on results obtained.

The Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP) - first introduced in 1989 is similar to the established programme detailed above, however there is an added vocational content and a concentration on technical subjects. Pupils taking the LCVP take five Leaving Certificate subjects (including two vocational subjects); a modern European Language and three link modules on Enterprise Education, Preparation for Work and Work Experience.

The Leaving Certificate Applied - The primary objective of this person-centred programme is to prepare participants for adult and working life. While certification in the LCA does not qualify for direct entry to third-level courses, students who successfully complete the programme are able to proceed to many Post Leaving Certificate courses. The framework of the LCA consists of a number of modules grouped under three general headings: General Education; Vocational Education and Vocational Preparation.

Further details on secondary education in Ireland can be obtained by contacting the Department of Education and Science.